Morris originally worked for Friedheim in the early 1970s before briefly leaving to run his own business. He rejoined Friedheim in 1977, working his way up to managing director, and subsequently led an MBO from the Bobst Group with then finance director Mark Bristow in June 2005.

Due to ill health he retired as Friedheim chief executive last September after selling his stake in the business to managing director Bristow.

Morris passed away on 1 January.

“Pete was always a glass-half-full, very positive guy and I think people who knew him will have a hoard of happy memories to treasure,” said Bristow.

Bristow also paid tribute to Morris’s contribution to Friedheim and the industry at large.

“The great thing about Pete was his infectious passion and enthusiasm for life in general as well as all things print. In a way his passion for business and life was an example to us all and that’s probably why so many customers became his friends,” he said.

DST Nottingham managing director Vinny Gidley, who knew Morris for 20 years, added: “Peter was a good friend and a knowledgeable ‎man. He was always available to discuss ideas – however mad.

“I will always remember Peter with fondness because he always had a smile on his face every time we met. He was one of the good people in our industry.”

First 4 Print Finishing managing director David Nestor said: “Peter was a gentleman, tough negotiator and a true industry figurehead who was widely respected. He was always so complimentary and I thoroughly enjoyed putting the world to rights when we spoke. He will be fondly remembered.”

As well as leading Friedheim, Morris was a keen advocate for the industry and also chairman of print industry suppliers and manufacturers body Picon from 2011 to 2013, a role that Bristow described as one of his proudest professional achievements.

During his Picon tenure he was one of the key drivers behind the creation of the Graphics, Print & Media Alliance (GPMA) a collective of sector trade bodies tasked with promoting the print industry.

Apex Digital Graphics managing director and current Picon chairman Bob Usher said: “People not only speak of his tireless enthusiasm for the print industry, to which the formation of the GPMA is a worthy memorial, but also recall his unfailing consideration for the people that make up the industry.

"I have personal experience of his immense generosity and kindness. When the Buncefield depot explosion in 2005 badly damaged the Apex headquarters he immediately gave us the warehouse and logistic support we urgently needed to keep the business operating.

Morris was made honorary vice-president of Picon in March last year, in recognition of his services to the industry.

“When people look back over his 40-year career in print and think about the contribution he made, even if it was just a passing comment or practical advice, then he will be sorely missed," said Bristow.

“We have all lost a dear friend and colleague, but he leaves behind a wealth of happy memories.”

This was echoed by Morris's friend and Five Arrows Business Finance managing director Paul Coggins: "He was one of the most highly respected business heads in the industry and he will be truly missed."

Morris, who was 68 when he died, leaves behind his wife Pauline, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Donations in his memory can be made to Rennie Grove Hospice Care or Marie Curie Cancer Care.